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Are Spurs still in contention for top seed? Updated scenarios, potential playoff clashes  While the San Antonio Spurs (60-19), two-and-a-half games behind Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (62-16), are assured of finishing no worse than second in the Conference, there still exists a scenario that could see them finish top of the league.For that to happen, the Spurs must win all three of their remaining games in the regular season. The side is playing against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, and the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. At the same time, they also need to have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA seasonThe status of Victor Wembanyama, who has led the Spurs’ charge this season, remains doubtful as of writing as the centre suffered a left rib ⁠contusion on Monday. Despite being assured of a playoff spot—a first since 2019—Wembanyama’s absence is bound to hurt the side’s chances to surpass Oklahoma City.The Spurs’ playoff opponent will be determined by the results of the 2026 Play-In tournament.If the Spurs manages to finish top in the West, it will go up against the No. 8 seed. If it maintains its current spot, Spurs would play the winner of the first Play-In game between the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds.Published on Apr 07, 2026  #Spurs #contention #top #seed #Updated #scenarios #potential #playoff #clashes

Are Spurs still in contention for top seed? Updated scenarios, potential playoff clashes

While the San Antonio Spurs (60-19), two-and-a-half games behind Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (62-16), are assured of finishing no worse than second in the Conference, there still exists a scenario that could see them finish top of the league.

For that to happen, the Spurs must win all three of their remaining games in the regular season. The side is playing against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, and the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. At the same time, they also need to have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.

READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA season

The status of Victor Wembanyama, who has led the Spurs’ charge this season, remains doubtful as of writing as the centre suffered a left rib ⁠contusion on Monday. Despite being assured of a playoff spot—a first since 2019—Wembanyama’s absence is bound to hurt the side’s chances to surpass Oklahoma City.

The Spurs’ playoff opponent will be determined by the results of the 2026 Play-In tournament.

If the Spurs manages to finish top in the West, it will go up against the No. 8 seed. If it maintains its current spot, Spurs would play the winner of the first Play-In game between the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

#Spurs #contention #top #seed #Updated #scenarios #potential #playoff #clashes

While the San Antonio Spurs (60-19), two-and-a-half games behind Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (62-16), are assured of finishing no worse than second in the Conference, there still exists a scenario that could see them finish top of the league.

For that to happen, the Spurs must win all three of their remaining games in the regular season. The side is playing against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, and the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. At the same time, they also need to have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its ​final four contests to attain that goal.

READ: Victor Wembanyama injury update — San Antonio Spurs star doubtful for rest of NBA season

The status of Victor Wembanyama, who has led the Spurs’ charge this season, remains doubtful as of writing as the centre suffered a left rib ⁠contusion on Monday. Despite being assured of a playoff spot—a first since 2019—Wembanyama’s absence is bound to hurt the side’s chances to surpass Oklahoma City.

The Spurs’ playoff opponent will be determined by the results of the 2026 Play-In tournament.

If the Spurs manages to finish top in the West, it will go up against the No. 8 seed. If it maintains its current spot, Spurs would play the winner of the first Play-In game between the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds.

Published on Apr 07, 2026

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#Spurs #contention #top #seed #Updated #scenarios #potential #playoff #clashes

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Deadspin | NBA roundup: Magic continue playoff push with win over Pistons <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28672873.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28672873.jpg" alt="NBA: Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 6, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) drives past Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Paolo Banchero scored 31 points and Desmond Bane added 25 as the Orlando Magic withstood a fourth-quarter rally and closed on a 14-2 run to beat the visiting Detroit Pistons 123-107 on Monday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Anthony Black contributed 14 points off the bench for Orlando, which won for the fourth time in the past five games. Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva each scored 12 points, and Suggs added a career-high 12 assists. The Magic (43-36), Charlotte Hornets (43-36) and Philadelphia 76ers (43-36) are tied for seventh in the Eastern Conference, a half-game behind the Toronto Raptors (43-35).</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Jalen Duren and Daniss Jenkins led Detroit (57-22) with 18 points apiece. The Pistons clinched the top seed in the East for the first time since 2006-07 with a 116-93 win at Philadelphia on Saturday.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green scored 17 points apiece for Detroit, which trailed by as many as 26 in the third quarter before opening the fourth on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 12 before ultimately getting as close as 109-105.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Spurs 115, 76ers 102</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Stephon Castle produced his fifth career triple-double with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds to lead a balanced San Antonio attack as the host Spurs defeated Philadelphia.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The Spurs played the second half without star center Victor Wembanyama, who sat out with a left rib contusion suffered in a second-quarter collision with the 76ers’ Paul George. He scored 17 before leaving.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>San Antonio (60-19) is still alive for the top seed in the West and in the league but would have to win its remaining three games (all at home) and have top-ranked Oklahoma City lose three of its final four contests to attain that goal. Joel Embiid’s 34 points and 12 rebounds paced the 76ers (43-36).</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Nuggets 137, Trail Blazers 132 (OT)</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Aaron Gordon’s clutch outside shooting helped Denver rally from being down by as many as 18 points to top visiting Portland.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-11"> <p>Denver (51-28) trailed for nearly all of regulation before taking a 125-123 lead with 27 seconds remaining when Gordon connected on a deep 2-point jumper in the right corner. Less than a minute earlier, Gordon sank a game-tying 3-pointer on the opposite side of the floor, part of his 23-point performance.</p> </section> <section id="section-12"> <p>The Nuggets’ lead was fleeting, as Deni Avdija answered with a basket in the paint on the other end to force overtime. But in the extra frame, Gordon set the tone with another crucial jumper, knocking down his fourth made 3-pointer of the night as the Nuggets opened OT on a 10-3 run. Nikola Jokic had his 33rd triple-double of the season with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Knicks 108, Hawks 105</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Jalen Brunson hit the tiebreaking basket with 29.8 seconds remaining and prevented CJ McCollum from getting off a tying 3-point attempt at the buzzer as visiting New York outlasted Atlanta in a possible playoff preview.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Brunson scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth and had 14 of New York’s final 16 points. After Nickeil Alexander-Walker missed a 3-point try with 55.1 seconds left, Brunson attempted to get by McCollum, went to his right and saw a 19-footer bounce twice before going in.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>OG Anunoby had 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns collected 21 and 12 rebounds and helped the Knicks (51-28) overcome a 10-point deficit in the third. Alexander-Walker led the Hawks (45-34) with 36 points and hit seven 3s, including a corner 3 that gave Atlanta a 100-95 lead with 3:15 left. Jalen Johnson added 21 and 11 boards as Atlanta lost for just the fourth time in 23 games since the All-Star break.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Cavaliers 142, Grizzlies 126</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Cleveland overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to defeat host Memphis and secure the 14th 50-win season in franchise history — despite the Grizzlies tying the NBA record for most made 3-pointers in a game.</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>Evan Mobley led the Cavs (50-29) with 24 points while Dennis Schroder added 22 points and 11 assists, and Sam Merrill scored 21. Keon Ellis contributed 19 points and eight assists and Jarrett Allen had 13 points and nine boards for Cleveland, which won for the ninth time in 11 games.</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>Plagued by injuries throughout the season, Memphis (25-54) lost its fifth straight and fell for the 18th time in 20 games. Nonetheless, the club tied the 3-point mark when Adama Bal’s 3-pointer with 1:41 remaining in the game gave the Grizzlies their 29th trey, tying Boston (2024) and Milwaukee (2020) for the record. Memphis finished 29 of 59 (49.2%) from long range.</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #NBA #roundup #Magic #continue #playoff #push #win #Pistons

Deadspin | Braves’ Reynaldo Lopez a reliever ‘for now’ to work on delivery flaw  Mar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (40) throws against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images   Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez is moving to the bullpen “for now” to work out a mechanical flaw in his delivery, Atlanta manager Walt Weiss told reporters Sunday.  Lopez began the season as Atlanta’s No. 2 starter after making just one start in 2025 before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. He had a 2.18 ERA through four starts this season before he gave up four runs on five hits and three walks in one inning of last Tuesday’s 11-4 loss at Washington.  “We see him as a starter,” Weiss said. “He’s working through some things, delivery wise, that type of thing, and he’s getting right there. And when he’s right, he’s one of our best starters. He was our No. 2 coming out of camp, even with some of the issues at the end of spring training.  “So we see him as a starter long term, but right now, trying to iron some things out. He’s going to help us out of the pen in the short term.”  Lopez has extensive experience both as a starter and reliever at the major league level. He’s posted a 48-55 career record and 3.93 ERA over 273 appearances (128 starts) over 11 seasons.   He earned his first All-Star nod and finished 11th in National League Cy Young Award voting during his first season with the Braves in 2024 when he finished with a 1.99 ERA, 148 strikeouts and 42 walks over 135 2/3 innings.  Atlanta kept 22-year-old right-hander JR Ritchie on its major league roster after he allowed two runs on five hits and struck out seven over seven innings in his major league debut Thursday vs. Washington. He’s set to make his first home start Wednesday against Detroit.  The Braves are also expecting right-hander Spencer Strider to make his season debut as soon as this weekend at Colorado after he started the season on the injured list with a strained oblique.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Braves #Reynaldo #Lopez #reliever #work #delivery #flawMar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (40) throws against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images

Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez is moving to the bullpen “for now” to work out a mechanical flaw in his delivery, Atlanta manager Walt Weiss told reporters Sunday.

Lopez began the season as Atlanta’s No. 2 starter after making just one start in 2025 before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. He had a 2.18 ERA through four starts this season before he gave up four runs on five hits and three walks in one inning of last Tuesday’s 11-4 loss at Washington.

“We see him as a starter,” Weiss said. “He’s working through some things, delivery wise, that type of thing, and he’s getting right there. And when he’s right, he’s one of our best starters. He was our No. 2 coming out of camp, even with some of the issues at the end of spring training.

“So we see him as a starter long term, but right now, trying to iron some things out. He’s going to help us out of the pen in the short term.”


Lopez has extensive experience both as a starter and reliever at the major league level. He’s posted a 48-55 career record and 3.93 ERA over 273 appearances (128 starts) over 11 seasons.

He earned his first All-Star nod and finished 11th in National League Cy Young Award voting during his first season with the Braves in 2024 when he finished with a 1.99 ERA, 148 strikeouts and 42 walks over 135 2/3 innings.

Atlanta kept 22-year-old right-hander JR Ritchie on its major league roster after he allowed two runs on five hits and struck out seven over seven innings in his major league debut Thursday vs. Washington. He’s set to make his first home start Wednesday against Detroit.

The Braves are also expecting right-hander Spencer Strider to make his season debut as soon as this weekend at Colorado after he started the season on the injured list with a strained oblique.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Braves #Reynaldo #Lopez #reliever #work #delivery #flaw">Deadspin | Braves’ Reynaldo Lopez a reliever ‘for now’ to work on delivery flaw  Mar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (40) throws against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images   Braves right-hander Reynaldo Lopez is moving to the bullpen “for now” to work out a mechanical flaw in his delivery, Atlanta manager Walt Weiss told reporters Sunday.  Lopez began the season as Atlanta’s No. 2 starter after making just one start in 2025 before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. He had a 2.18 ERA through four starts this season before he gave up four runs on five hits and three walks in one inning of last Tuesday’s 11-4 loss at Washington.  “We see him as a starter,” Weiss said. “He’s working through some things, delivery wise, that type of thing, and he’s getting right there. And when he’s right, he’s one of our best starters. He was our No. 2 coming out of camp, even with some of the issues at the end of spring training.  “So we see him as a starter long term, but right now, trying to iron some things out. He’s going to help us out of the pen in the short term.”  Lopez has extensive experience both as a starter and reliever at the major league level. He’s posted a 48-55 career record and 3.93 ERA over 273 appearances (128 starts) over 11 seasons.   He earned his first All-Star nod and finished 11th in National League Cy Young Award voting during his first season with the Braves in 2024 when he finished with a 1.99 ERA, 148 strikeouts and 42 walks over 135 2/3 innings.  Atlanta kept 22-year-old right-hander JR Ritchie on its major league roster after he allowed two runs on five hits and struck out seven over seven innings in his major league debut Thursday vs. Washington. He’s set to make his first home start Wednesday against Detroit.  The Braves are also expecting right-hander Spencer Strider to make his season debut as soon as this weekend at Colorado after he started the season on the injured list with a strained oblique.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Braves #Reynaldo #Lopez #reliever #work #delivery #flaw

Deadspin | Predators sign KHL star Vitali Pinchuk for 2026-27  Dec 5, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; View of a Nashville Predators logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images   The Nashville Predators signed forward Vitali Pinchuk to a one-year, entry-level deal for the 2026-27 season on Monday.  The 24-year-old Belarus native finished third in the KHL in goals (31) and tied for sixth in points (66) in 2025-26.  New guy in gold ??We’ve signed forward Vitali Pinchuk to a one-year, entry-level contract for the 2026-27 season.More details » https://t.co/2H84zc68yb pic.twitter.com/NTcuImjOHD— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 27, 2026    Pinchuk played in 65 games for Dinamo Minsk this season and was selected to his third KHL All-Star Game.  The 6-foot-3, 203-pound center has 145 points (73 goals, 72 assists) in 252 career games with Dinamo Minsk since 2020.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Predators #sign #KHL #star #Vitali #PinchukDec 5, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; View of a Nashville Predators logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The Nashville Predators signed forward Vitali Pinchuk to a one-year, entry-level deal for the 2026-27 season on Monday.

The 24-year-old Belarus native finished third in the KHL in goals (31) and tied for sixth in points (66) in 2025-26.


Pinchuk played in 65 games for Dinamo Minsk this season and was selected to his third KHL All-Star Game.

The 6-foot-3, 203-pound center has 145 points (73 goals, 72 assists) in 252 career games with Dinamo Minsk since 2020.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Predators #sign #KHL #star #Vitali #Pinchuk">Deadspin | Predators sign KHL star Vitali Pinchuk for 2026-27  Dec 5, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; View of a Nashville Predators logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images   The Nashville Predators signed forward Vitali Pinchuk to a one-year, entry-level deal for the 2026-27 season on Monday.  The 24-year-old Belarus native finished third in the KHL in goals (31) and tied for sixth in points (66) in 2025-26.  New guy in gold ??We’ve signed forward Vitali Pinchuk to a one-year, entry-level contract for the 2026-27 season.More details » https://t.co/2H84zc68yb pic.twitter.com/NTcuImjOHD— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 27, 2026    Pinchuk played in 65 games for Dinamo Minsk this season and was selected to his third KHL All-Star Game.  The 6-foot-3, 203-pound center has 145 points (73 goals, 72 assists) in 252 career games with Dinamo Minsk since 2020.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Predators #sign #KHL #star #Vitali #Pinchuk

Pinchuk played in 65 games for Dinamo Minsk this season and was selected to his third KHL All-Star Game.

The 6-foot-3, 203-pound center has 145 points (73 goals, 72 assists) in 252 career games with Dinamo Minsk since 2020.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Predators #sign #KHL #star #Vitali #Pinchuk">Deadspin | Predators sign KHL star Vitali Pinchuk for 2026-27
Deadspin | Predators sign KHL star Vitali Pinchuk for 2026-27  Dec 5, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; View of a Nashville Predators logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images   The Nashville Predators signed forward Vitali Pinchuk to a one-year, entry-level deal for the 2026-27 season on Monday.  The 24-year-old Belarus native finished third in the KHL in goals (31) and tied for sixth in points (66) in 2025-26.  New guy in gold ??We’ve signed forward Vitali Pinchuk to a one-year, entry-level contract for the 2026-27 season.More details » https://t.co/2H84zc68yb pic.twitter.com/NTcuImjOHD— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 27, 2026    Pinchuk played in 65 games for Dinamo Minsk this season and was selected to his third KHL All-Star Game.  The 6-foot-3, 203-pound center has 145 points (73 goals, 72 assists) in 252 career games with Dinamo Minsk since 2020.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Predators #sign #KHL #star #Vitali #PinchukDec 5, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; View of a Nashville Predators logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The Nashville Predators signed forward Vitali Pinchuk to a one-year, entry-level deal for the 2026-27 season on Monday.

The 24-year-old Belarus native finished third in the KHL in goals (31) and tied for sixth in points (66) in 2025-26.


Pinchuk played in 65 games for Dinamo Minsk this season and was selected to his third KHL All-Star Game.

The 6-foot-3, 203-pound center has 145 points (73 goals, 72 assists) in 252 career games with Dinamo Minsk since 2020.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Predators #sign #KHL #star #Vitali #Pinchuk

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